Abstract:

Abstract Numerous experiments  show that heparin affects tumor metastasis in various ways, and one of the mechanisms by which heparin inhibits metastasis is by blocking the P-selectin-based interaction of platelets with tumor cells. However, heparin′s significant anticoagulant properties and the potential of bleeding complications may contraindicate its use as an anti\|metastasis compound.  RO-heparin with low anticoagulant activity was tested as the inhibitor of human malignant melanoma A375 cells adhering to surface-immobilized platelets expressing P-selectin. Then we demonstrate that RO-heparin can block P-selectin-mediated A375 human melanoma cell adhesion, suggesting that it may has a potential value as a anti-metastatic, therapeutic agent.

Key words: KeywordsPeriodate-oxidized heparin; P-selectin; Platelet; Metastasis